NEW MEXICO – As news broke about Michelle Luján Grisham winning the governor seat for New Mexico tonight, immigrant youth, families, and community allies across the state celebrate and vow to do everything in their power to ensure the Grisham administration works to protect our families from the national anti-immigrant rhetoric and work for the well being of all New Mexicans.

UWDA was able to get out more than 10,000 voters to the polls and make sure they elected leaders who represented and fought alongside our families –including Michelle Luján Grisham and, Deb Haaland .

Eli Cuna, National Field Director for United We Dream Action, said:

“We see the results of the tireless work of immigrant youth and families who knocked on the doors and called the homes of tens of thousands turning out New Mexicans who stepped up and elected the champions New Mexico deserves. A leadership to move forward and dismantle a Republican legacy of corruption, disenfranchisement and poverty.

We couldn’t be prouder to be part of history in the making for New Mexico, having elected the first Native American woman to Congress, Deb Haaland, and electing a governor who has a record of being defiant to the Trump administration and putting people, because it is the right thing to do, for all New Mexicans.”

Isaac De Luna, Political Director for United We Dream Action NM, said:

“With the election of Michelle Luján Grisham, a fierce advocate for immigrant families, New Mexico is at a pivotal point where we can lead in creating more protections for immigrant and refugee families to be able to fight back against Trump’s deportation force. And we are sending to Congress Deb Haaland, a champion who will lead to defund ICE and CBP, she will represent our families’ interest with a strong voice and push for New Mexico to be a leader in fighting Republicans’ hate-filled agenda.

Selene Vences, leader with United We Dream Action in Albuquerque, said:

“All the hard work we put into canvassing this fall is only a taste of the will and dedication we have to protect our families and communities. With this new leadership in our state, we will continue to defy and fight against those who want to erase us in Trump’s administration.

“Proper funding for education will be the key to advance our families and ensure a bright future for our children. We are certain that NM has what it takes to become a leader nationwide and will innovate our education that is both representative and inclusive of immigrant families statewide.”